Slow sawback/rc4wd blazer build with front mount transmission

[monster 550]

So since I'm a Chevy only fan and the hard body blazer fits the sawback's wheelbase I decided to give it a go. The sawback started life as a regular sports kit and is just a roller. I'll try to fit the body on first before I spend the cash on aftermarket parts and make it rtr.

[monster 550]

So far I ordered a new blazer body kit, and a new take off hammer transfer case and mount. I'll have to wait for those to get in and get some free time from work to mock everything up to see if the front mounted transmission will work without breaking the bank. If all works out, this one will be my shiny clean trail truck.

[monster 550]

I pulled the center skid/transmission mount and electronics tray from the chassis. I took the faux engine electronics tray and cut it up, flipped it upside down and mounted it back a little using existing holes in the chassis. This gave me a platform to mount the stock transmission up front with the motor up and over the front axle. Again, I'll have to wait and see how this will fit under the blazer hood and what angle I need for the transmission to transfer case shaft. This will be a slow build but I'll try getting pics as I go.

[VR6 BeelzeDub]

Yesss...finally lol

[JatoTheRipper]

I will be watching this. It should be awesome!

[monster 550]

So the few parts I ordered came in and there's problems. First there's no way the stock transmission mounted over the front axle will work with the blazer body at a half decent ride height. Even if it did with a working hood scoop the interior is in the way to run a driveshaft to the transfer case. Second the rear shock towers are way too high for, again, a decent ride height. This is a simple fix, run small 52mm or so shocks mounted straight to the frame. Third the transfer case will need a mount made to sit between the rails. This should also be an easy fix. My thoughts are to either get an r4 transmission fitted in some how or figure out a motor mount and run the motor straight to the transfer case, but then there's no gearing options. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

[XJrob]

How does the interior look with the tranny in the stock position? Look like it will fit? End of next month I'll more then likely be ordering a blazer body for my sawback too

[monster 550]

You would have to have the body lifted to fit with the stock setup. Without the interior it would work fine and you could black out the windows.

[dubyas1989]

That's probably what I would end up doing, I'm not huge on interiors, they are cool but not necessary for me.

[monster 550]

You could always cut up the stock sawback body to use the interior in the blazer. I cut up a dingo body once to fit in a proline blazer body. Another option would be to retro fit a clod body and use the tinted windows. The clod body has a wheelbase of 11" so it's only .3" short. If you're set on the blazer without interior I would price the parts you need separate before buying the whole body kit. I know the body shell is like $30. Might be a cheaper option.

[XJrob]

Thanks. I think I'll plan on using the blazer body w/o interior and just tint the windows so you can't see in.

I would love to use the interior but just not diehard on changing everything up so much to run it

I think once you buy up all the parts tree + shipping you would probably be better off buying the whole blazer kit then selling off the interior.

[XJrob]

With free shipping from rpp, ends up being 127 if you piece it together w/o interior and that doesn't include screws....

[monster 550]

Yeah doesn't seem worth it. Plus if you ever decide to use the interior you'll have it. Blacking out the windows wouldn't have to be done either if you wanted to save them. Personally I only plan on using the windshield.

[monster 550]

Any thoughts on running the motor straight to the transfer case? The hammer t-case is 1.47/1. I think I might have figured out a way to mount the case to the frame, the motor to the frame, and connect the two together, but I'm worried about not having a transmission. Like will parts last, motor temps, wheel speed, etc. Could it work?

[monster 550]

I think a gear reduction unit will make things possible.

[Artem]

Also want to mount sawback transmission to the front to fit blazer. Tried to start a tread, but someone thought it's not necessairy)
What is finally done since May?

I think it's the best way it can be placed:




I think I'll cut one rail a bit to place it properly.
Trans can be moved further front if l fabricate 45 degree mounts and also move them forward
Waiting for the body check.

[monster 550]

I used the stock ebox and cut it off flat and drilled holes to mount the transmission. I came in to two problems with it mounted up front. Both have to do with the servo, no room for a CMS and no room for travel with the servo mounted to the axle. Another issue was battery placement. Everything worked out for me, but I had to mount the body higher than I liked so I gave up on the idea to spend more money getting everything right for my liking and used the body for a mud truck. Good luck with your build.

[JatoTheRipper]

Sweet! I can't wait to see this finished. That Blazer body should be on leaf springs.

[Artem]

Hope you don't mind I post some pictures here)

Without the body I try to put trans as low as possible. Don't like lifted blazers..
Here seems to be the lowest point:



Full compression:

Dampers limiting travel. I don't want to have crazy flex, so this much should be alright.

Also guessing where the hood ending. Are you able to show your blazer body on a sawback chassis?

Cms is kind of simple issue here, just mount it to the side rail, next to motor:



Full compression:

[Artem]

Some updates: